View Full Version : Do you release drag tension when not using reels?
Roddy
12-11-2006, 09:40 AM
Just wondering if this is part of real maintenance. I have been told by some that a reels drag life will be significantly shortened if you do not release the pressure from the drag when it is not in use.
Raybob
12-11-2006, 10:10 AM
Yes I do -to help keep the drag washers clean & smooth workin' (hot summer dayz n' tight drags can lead to some very sticky problems down the road) ... I still clean all the drag washers every winter for Ice-out prep...
da old fart,
Bebob da I-Bobray
bountyhunterss
12-11-2006, 11:02 AM
yes it takes the tension off the spring .do it every time your done using the reel.
Unlogged T-Mac
12-11-2006, 12:32 PM
Over winter...yeah, when I remember too do it. ;)
Harve
12-11-2006, 12:34 PM
I loosen all my drags after I'm done fishing in the fall - been doing so for years.
I do it when storing for season.
ChadM
Toolman
12-11-2006, 02:17 PM
I back the drags off after every use. Spinning reels, baitcasters, and trolling reels. I don't know if it helps the drags last langer, but it makes me feel better...and that's what is important! ;-)
Tim
REELMAN
12-11-2006, 05:28 PM
yes i do
ERIE REBEL
12-11-2006, 06:30 PM
Yeah I back them all of the way off during the winter. During the fishing season before I use a spining reel or a baitcaster or a trolling reel I always pull line to make sure that the drag is working properly.And that is done as soon as I leave the ramp.
bluegill 1
12-11-2006, 07:06 PM
Yes, all the way.
RANGER
12-11-2006, 09:38 PM
Yes! Absolutely!!
Ristorapper
12-11-2006, 11:27 PM
In the rod socks they go, back off the drags all the way and up in the storage rack for winter.
Bill Krejca
12-12-2006, 10:42 AM
Yup, whenever I'm done fishing (when I think of it), and always over winter.
hgmeyer
12-12-2006, 03:39 PM
Yes,
I back them off when done for the day... That way I know I will adjust them properly when I go out fishing the next time... Covers both "needs" (if it is good for the reels to be stored with loose drags, then I am doing that) I know it is good to make sure the drag is properly adjusted before fishing....
Terroreyes
12-12-2006, 09:55 PM
Oh, leave it to me to question the norm. Don't drag discs contain metal, and doesn't exposure to open air cause oxidation? Seems to me that keeping them tight and not open to air would be the best. First I've ever heard of backing off the drags, so if I'm wrong, please educate me. :)
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Raybob
12-13-2006, 12:09 AM
There's a long list of different materials used in drag systems, if you do a quick google search - many drag waffers have metal washers & fiber washers in a sandwich stack. Also I've read where the all metal systems will get flat spots if stored w/tension. I troll about everyday & slam many stumps at 5-8 sog which adds to the wear n' tear, so proper drag care is 2nd nature to me...
da old fart,
Bebob da I-Bobray
Yeah, I'm kind of like Terroreyes on this one. I've never backed off my drags. The reason - I've just never heard of it, or even thought about it.
I guess I can't say my drags are now junk because I haven't. But I can't say if they would be better if I had either.
Just never did it, never even thought about it.
I agree with Terroreyes, no need to back off on the drag. One of the worst things you can do to damage the drag system on your reels is to let line rip off with the drag, while turning the boat around to retreave a snag. The best thing to do to prevent this is open the bail, until the boat is turned around. Always give the drag a little pull before you start fishing.
hgmeyer
12-16-2006, 05:16 PM
I back them off because it is a habit... the first half of a habit that has me adjust the drag on every reel right before I use it... If it is backed off I have to adjust it...
Never occurred to me to do so. I've some spinning reels, mid price range Daiwas, that have been in use for 12-15 years. Innumerable snags while trolling, they're still ticking. I must confess that one of them bit the dust. While whizzing over the side of the boat, (trolling/under way), I lost my balance and fortunately fell into the boat, (instead of out of the boat), and crash landed in the sitting position on the reel, in effect, lard assing it. This resulted in bent/damaged parts. The reel, however, never recovered.
IntroC
12-29-2006, 10:33 AM
Never have. Its never caused a problem for me.
Ristorapper
01-26-2007, 09:15 PM
From page 36 Bass Pro Shops Offshore Angler Saltwater fishing 2007 catalog:
Back 'em off at washdown:
After the fishing trip, when it's time to wash down your tackle, tighten the drags all the way before you put water on the reels. After washdown, back off the drags ALL THE WAY. This procedure keeps the drag washers clean and dry, and allows the washers to decompress--ensuring smooth performance next time out.
I understand this is from a salt water tackle catalog and that the information of washdown is to rid the equipment of salt. But I don't think the information is at all bad, freshwater or saltwater.